Gregory acquires York site to ease shortage of student accommodation

Gregory Properties has purchased a strategic site on Foss Islands Road, York with aspirations to deliver against a chronic shortage of purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) in the city.

The site, previously occupied by Enterprise Rent-A-Car and Just Tyres, is equidistant between the University of York and York St John University and already provides easy and sustainable travel for students.

Gregory has drawn up plans to deliver 138 studios with seven communal rooms and well-being amenity within a largely three-storey purpose-built building. Instead of parking facilities, the proposals include an allocation of around 100 cycle spaces, with engaging public realm that supports easy access and permeation between surrounding areas.

Harrogate based Gregory Properties is no stranger to York having delivered the £40 million Foss Islands Retail Park in 2007. The Group is also well versed in delivering residential accommodation and was responsible for The Refinery, a 400-bed student scheme in central Leeds , shortlisted for national award recognition.

John McGhee, director and head of residential is leading the project. He is currently Chair of Trustees for York City FC Foundation which includes management of the York Girls Regional Talent Centre. Gregory Group is also a sponsor of York City Ladies Football Club.

John said, “Our commitment to York as an evolving city is long standing and we are passionate about repurposing brownfield sites in a sustainable way to support modern day use. This site is a prime example of an under-developed site with old, tired and outmoded buildings but well located for student provision.

“We know that York has one of the worst shortages of student accommodation in the UK. Affordable accommodation for students is a priority for both Universities in attracting young talent and with this scheme, we hope that we can deliver against at least a small part of the current shortage.”

The proposals have been met with no objection from Historic England which has determined that scheme designs meet the requirements of the National Planning Policy Framework, in particular in relation to proposals affecting heritage assets.

Gregory Properties has negotiated forward funding for the project from a London based fund which already owns over 400 student residential units in York. Local contractor, GMI construction is also pre-appointed to deliver the scheme once planning consent has been secured.